Former Texas Rangers owner Brad Corbett dies at 75

Brad Corbett in 1977. He was owner of the Texas Rangers from 1974 to 1980. (Associated Press )

Former Texas Rangers owner Brad Corbett died on Christmas Eve, the Rangers announced late Wednesday. He was 75.

"The Texas Rangers are saddened to hear of the death of Brad Corbett, who passed away on Monday at the age of 75," the team said in a statement.

"Mr. Corbett was the Principal Owner of the Texas Rangers from May 29, 1974, to April 29, 1980. His tenure as owner was marked by a passion and drive to bring a winning team to the fans of North Texas. During his ownership, the Rangers produced their first four winning seasons and finished second three times. Texas' 94 victories in 1977 remained the most in team history until 1999.

"The spirit in which Mr. Corbett served as Owner of the Rangers will be remembered always. The organization extends its deepest sympathies to his family and friends on his passing."

Corbett sold the team to Fort Worth oil man Eddie Chiles in 1980, when both the Rangers and Corbett's other ventures were struggling financially.